Electrostatic atomization device

ABSTRACT

An electrostatic atomization device having a simple structure and allowing for reduction in size. The electrostatic atomization device has an atomization electrode including a P type Peltier element and an N type Peltier element joined with the P type Peltier element. The atomization electrode is cuspate so as to form a projection with a joined portion of the P type Peltier element and the N type Peltier element. High voltage is applied to the P and N type Peltier elements so that discharging occurs at a distal portion of the atomization electrode, current flows to the P and N type Peltier elements to produce a cooling effect at the joined portion, and condensed water generated by the cooling effect is atomized by the discharging to generate charged fine water droplets.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electrostatic atomization device that uses the Peltier effect.

BACKGROUND ART

Japanese Patent No. 3980051 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-000826 each describe a prior art electrostatic atomization device that performs a cooling operation with a Peltier module to generate condensed water, supplies the condensed water to a discharge electrode, and performs discharging with the discharge electrode to atomize the condensed water into charged fine water droplets (nano ion mist).

In an electrostatic atomization device such as that of Japanese Patent No. 3980051 and Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-000826, the discharge electrode is fixed to a cooling surface of the Peltier module, and a heat dissipater is fixed to a heat dissipation surface of the

Peltier module. More specifically, the Peltier module is formed by coupling a P type Peltier element and an N type Peltier element with a plurality of electrodes. Then, the discharge electrode and the heat dissipater, which are manufactured separately from the Peltier module, are fixed to the Peltier module. In this manner, the electrostatic atomization device includes many complicated elements and is thus large in size.

The present invention provides an electrostatic atomization device that is reduced in size and has a simple structure.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is an electrostatic atomization device provided with an atomization electrode including a P type Peltier element and an N type Peltier element joined with the P type Peltier element. The atomization electrode is cuspate so as to form a projection with a joined portion of the P type Peltier element and the N type Peltier element. High voltage is applied to the P and N type Peltier elements so that discharging occurs at a distal portion of the atomization electrode, current flows to the P and N type Peltier elements to produce a cooling effect at the joined portion, and condensed water generated by the cooling effect is atomized by the discharging to generate charged fine water droplets.

The atomization electrode may include a discharge member arranged between a joined faced of the P type Peltier element and a joined face of the N type Peltier element. Further, the P and N type Peltier elements may be symmetrical to each other and shaped to have an arcuate form when joined together.

A first high voltage may be applied to the P type Peltier element and a second high voltage, which differs from the first high voltage, may be applied to the N type Peltier element so that discharging occurs at the distal portion of the atomization electrode and current flows to the P and N type Peltier elements to perform a cooling operation.

The electrostatic atomization device may further include an opposing electrode facing toward the atomization electrode. Cooling drive voltage is applied to the P and N type Peltier elements so that current flows through the P and N type Peltier elements to perform a cooling operation, and high voltage is applied to the opposing electrode so that a potential difference between the cooling drive voltage and the high voltage causes discharging to occur at the distal portion of the atomization electrode.

The electrostatic atomization device may further include an opposing electrode facing toward the atomization electrode.

A first high voltage may be applied to the P type Peltier element and a second high voltage, which differs from the first high voltage, may be applied to the N type Peltier element so that a potential difference between the first high voltage and the second high voltage causes current to flow through the P and N type Peltier elements to perform a cooling operation. Further, a high voltage may be applied to the opposing electrode so that a potential difference between the first high voltage and the high voltage causes discharging to occur at the distal portion of the atomization electrode.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention, together with objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description of the presently preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electrostatic atomization device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 a schematic diagram showing an electrostatic atomization device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an electrostatic atomization device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An electrostatic atomization device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to FIG. 1.

The electrostatic atomization device 10 includes cells of atomization electrodes 11, with each cell formed by a P type Peltier element 11 p and an N type Peltier element 11 n. The cells of the electrostatic atomization electrodes 11 are gathered to form a module. The P type Peltier element 11 p and the N type Peltier element 11 n are curved and shaped to be symmetric to each other so as to have an outwardly bulging form. The P type Peltier element 11 p and the N type Peltier element 11 n each include a basal portion 11 b, which has a basal surface, and a distal portion 11 a, which has a distal surface extending along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the basal surface extends and is located at a position spaced apart from the basal portion 11 b. In other words, the P type Peltier element 11 p and the N type Peltier element 11 n are formed to approach each other from the basal portions 11 b toward the distal portions 11 a. The distal surface of the P type Peltier element 11 p and the distal surface of the N type Peltier element 11 n are joined with each other so that the electrostatic atomization electrode 11 is arcuate and cuspate. The P type Peltier element 11 p and the N type Peltier element 11 n are joined with each other along a joining plane 12 extending in the direction in which the atomization electrode 11 extends.

In each atomization electrode 11, a P type high voltage power supply 13 p applies a negative first high voltage HV(A) to the basal portion 11 b of the P type Peltier element 11 p, and an N type high voltage power supply 13 n applies a negative second high voltage HV(B) to the basal portion 11 b of the N type Peltier element 11 n. The first high voltage HV(A) is set to be higher in the negative side than the second high voltage HV(B), and a potential difference is set between the first high voltage HV(A) and the second high voltage HV(B). Due to the potential difference, current flows from the N type Peltier element 11 n toward the P type

Peltier element 11 p. An opposing electrode 15 (GND electrode) may be arranged at a position spaced apart from a distal portion 11 a of the atomization electrode 11, and in this case the atomization electrode 11 projects toward the opposing electrode 15.

In the electrostatic atomization device 10, the potential difference of the high voltages HV(A) and HV(B) applied to the Peltier elements 11 p and 11 n and the high voltage applied to the opposing electrode 15 (in this case, the potential difference between the first high voltage HV(A) and the high voltage applied to the opposing electrode 15) causes a corona discharge to occur around the distal portion 11 a of the atomization electrode 11. The opposing electrode may be an object that generates discharge with the distal portion 11 a of the atomization electrode 11, such as ground GND, or a component having a predetermined potential. Specifically, the opposing electrode may be a housing in which the electrostatic atomization device 10 is accommodated. When the electrostatic atomization device 10 is mounted in an air conditioner or an air purifier, the inner wall of the housing of the air conditioner or the air purifier may be used as an opposing electrode. When the electrostatic atomization device 10 is mounted in a refrigerator, the inner wall of the housing of the storage may be used as an opposing electrode. Alternatively, the opposing electrode 15 may be provided independently as discussed above. In this state, due to the potential difference between the high voltage HV(A) and the high voltage HV(B), current flows from the basal portion 11 b of the N type Peltier element 11 n via the joining plane 12 and to the basal portion 11 b of the P type Peltier element 11 p. This produces a cooling (endothermic) effect about the joining plane 12 and generates condensed water W from the moisture in the air around the joining plane 12.

The generated condensed water W moves to the distal portion 11 a of the atomization electrode 11. Due to the discharging that occurs at the distal portion 11 a, the condensed water W is atomized, that is, electrostatic atomization occurs. This generates charged fine water droplets (nano ion mist), which is scattered toward the opposing electrode 15. The charged fine water droplets are released from the cells of the atomization electrodes 11 in the electrostatic atomization device 10. When using the electrostatic atomization device 10 in an air purifier or a facial cosmetic apparatus, for example, the charged fine water droplets are diffused in a room or provided to a person's skin.

The advantages of the electrostatic atomization device 10 according to the first embodiment will now be described.

(1) In the first embodiment, the P type Peltier element 11 p and the N type Peltier element 11 n are joined with each other, and their joined portions form the cuspate atomization electrode 11, which defines a projected portion of the electrostatic atomization device 10. When relatively high voltages are applied to the P and N type Peltier elements 11 p and 11 n (atomization electrode 11) and to the opposing electrode 15, discharging occurs at the distal portion 11 a of the atomization electrode 11. Further, current flows to the P and N type Peltier elements 11 p and 11 n and produces a cooling effect at the joined portions (joining plane 12). The condensed water produced by the cooling effect then undergoes atomization (electrostatic atomization) when subjected to discharging. This generates charged fine water droplets at the distal portion 11 a. In this manner, the atomization electrode 11 is shaped into a cuspate form with the P and N type Peltier elements 11 p and 11 n and has both heat dissipation and cooling functions. Thus, the atomization electrode 11 has a simplified structure. This contributes to reduction in size of the electrostatic atomization device.

(2) In the first embodiment, the P and N type Peltier elements 11 p and 11 n, which are shaped to be arcuate and symmetric to each other, are joined together to form the cuspate atomization electrode 11. This allows for satisfactory heat dissipation and cooling and stably generates charged fine water droplets.

(3) In the first embodiment, the opposing electrode 15 is arranged in correspondence with the atomization electrode 11. Thus, discharging occurs stably at the atomization electrode 11. This also stabilizes the generation of charged fine water droplets.

(4) In the first embodiment, the first high voltage HV(A) is applied to the P type Peltier element 11 p, and the second high voltage HV(B) is applied to the N type Peltier element 11 n so that high voltage is applied to the atomization electrode 11 for discharging. Further, a potential difference is set between the first and second high voltages HV(A) and HV(B). This supplies power that produces a flow of current in the P and N type Peltier elements 11 p and 11 n to perform a cooling operation and drive the atomization electrode 11. The supply of power in this simple manner allows for both discharging and cooling to be performed.

An electrostatic atomization device 10 a according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to FIG. 2.

In the electrostatic atomization device 10 a (atomization electrode 11) of the second embodiment, a distal end face of the P type Peltier element 11 p and a distal end face of the N type Peltier element 11 n are joined with each other by a conductive rod-shaped discharge member 14. The discharge member 14 has a distal portion 14 a, which is slightly projected from a distal end of the projection formed by the P type Peltier element 11 p and the N type Peltier element 11 n. This discharge member 14 differs from the electrostatic atomization device 10 of the first embodiment.

In the electrostatic atomization device 10 a, a cooling effect occurs about the discharge member 14 and generates condensed water W around the discharge member 14. Electrostatic atomization takes place when discharging occurs at the distal portion of the atomization electrode 11 (i.e., the distal portion 14 a of the discharge member 14). This generates charged fine water droplets (nano ion mist) from the condensed water W.

In addition to advantages (1) to (4) of the electrostatic atomization device 10 according to the first embodiment, the electrostatic atomization device 10 a according to the second embodiment has the advantages described below.

In the second embodiment, the discharge member 14 joins the P and N type Peltier elements 11 p and 11 n. This prevents wear of the Peltier elements 11 p and 11 n caused by the discharging. Further, by forming the discharge member 14 from a material that resists wear, the life of the atomization electrode 11 may be prolonged.

An electrostatic atomization device 10 b according to a third embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to FIG. 3.

The electrostatic atomization device 10 b according to the third embodiment differs from the electrostatic atomization device 10 according to the first embodiment in how power is supplied, that is, the power supply mode. A cooling power supply 16 applies a negative cooling drive voltage V to the basal portion 11 b of the P type Peltier element 11 p. The basal portion 11 b of the N type Peltier element 11 n is connected to ground GND. Due to potential difference between the cooling drive voltage V and the ground GND, current flows from the N type Peltier element 11 n to the P type Peltier element 11 p. A high voltage power supply 17 is connected to the opposing electrode 15, which is located at a position spaced apart from the distal portion 11 a of the atomization electrode 11. The high voltage power supply 17 applies positive high voltage V to the opposing electrode 15.

In the electrostatic atomization device 10 b, the potential difference between the cooling drive voltage V applied to the P type Peltier element 11 p and the high voltage HV applied to the opposing electrode 15 causes a corona discharge to occur around the distal portion 11 a of the atomization electrode 11. Further, current flows from the N type Peltier element 11 n to the P type Peltier element 11 p. This produces a cooling effect about the joining plane 12 and generates condensed water W around the joining plane 12. The electrostatic atomization caused by the discharging that occurs at the distal portion 11 a generates charged fine water droplets (nano ion mist) from the condensed water W.

In addition to advantages (1) to (3) of the electrostatic atomization device 10 according to the first embodiment, the electrostatic atomization device 10 b according to the third embodiment has the advantages described below.

In the third embodiment, the cooling drive voltage V is applied between the P and N type Peltier elements 11 p and 11 n to produce current used to perform a cooling operation, and high voltage HV is applied to the opposing electrode. The electrostatic atomization device 10 b is driven by a power supply mode in which the potential difference between the high voltage HV and the cooling drive voltage V results in the occurrence of discharging at the distal portion 11 a of the atomization electrode 11. Such a simple power supply mode also allows for both discharging and cooling to be performed.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention. Particularly, it should be understood that the present invention may be embodied in the following forms.

In each of the above-discussed embodiments, the cuspate atomization electrode 11 is formed by joining the P and N type Peltier elements 11 p and 11 n, which are arcuate at symmetrical to each other. However, the shape of the atomization electrode 11 is not limited in such a manner and may be modified as required. Further, the cells of the atomization electrodes 11 are gathered to form the modularized electrostatic atomization device 10. However, as long as a single cell is capable of generating (releasing) a sufficient amount of charged fine water droplets, the electrostatic atomization device 10 may be formed by one or more cells.

In the first and second embodiments, the opposing electrode 15 is used in the electrostatic atomization device 10. However, the opposing electrode 15 may be eliminated and, for example, a peripheral component that also has the function of an opposing electrode may be used instead.

In the first and second embodiments, the first high voltage HV(A) is applied to the P type Peltier element 11 p and the second high voltage HV(B) is applied to the N type Peltier element 11 n to set a potential difference between the first and second high voltages HV(A) and HV(B). However, the power supply mode is not limited in such a manner and may be modified when required. For example, a high voltage for causing discharging and a voltage for performing the cooling operation may be applied in a time sharing manner.

In each of the above-discussed embodiments, the voltages

HV(A), HV(B), HV, V may be adjusted to adjust the discharge voltage or the cooling capacity.

In each of the above-discussed embodiments, a separately manufactured heat dissipater may be arranged near the atomization electrode 11 to improve the heat dissipation capability.

The present examples and embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalence of the appended claims. 

1. An electrostatic atomization device comprising: an atomization electrode including a P type Peltier element and an N type Peltier element joined with the P type Peltier element, in which the atomization electrode is cuspate so as to form a projection with a joined portion of the P type Peltier element and the N type Peltier element; wherein high voltage is applied to the P and N type Peltier elements so that discharging occurs at a distal portion of the atomization electrode, current flows to the P and N type Peltier elements to produce a cooling effect at the joined portion, and condensed water generated by the cooling effect is atomized by the discharging to generate charged fine water droplets.
 2. The electrostatic atomization device according to claim 1, wherein the atomization electrode includes a discharge member arranged between a joined faced of the P type Peltier element and a joined face of the N type Peltier element.
 3. The electrostatic atomization device according to claim 1, wherein the P and N type Peltier elements are symmetrical to each other and shaped to have an arcuate form when joined together.
 4. The electrostatic atomization device according to claim 1, wherein a first high voltage is applied to the P type Peltier element and a second high voltage, which differs from the first high voltage, is applied to the N type Peltier element so that discharging occurs at the distal portion of the atomization electrode and current flows to the P and N type Peltier elements to perform a cooling operation.
 5. The electrostatic atomization device according to claim 1, further comprising: an opposing electrode facing toward the atomization electrode; wherein cooling drive voltage is applied to the P and N type Peltier elements so that current flows through the P and N type Peltier elements to perform a cooling operation, and high voltage is applied to the opposing electrode so that a potential difference between the cooling drive voltage and the high voltage causes discharging to occur at the distal portion of the atomization electrode.
 6. The electrostatic atomization device according to claim 1, further comprising: an opposing electrode facing toward the atomization electrode.
 7. The electrostatic atomization device according to claim 6, wherein a first high voltage is applied to the P type Peltier element and a second high voltage, which differs from the first high voltage, is applied to the N type Peltier element so that a potential difference between the first high voltage and the second high voltage causes current to flow through the P and N type Peltier elements to perform a cooling operation, and a high voltage is applied to the opposing electrode so that a potential difference between the first high voltage and the high voltage causes discharging to occur at the distal portion of the atomization electrode. 